Villagers near Bristol have launched an urgent plea to keep the X91 bus service running, describing it as a lifeline that connects remote rural communities in the Chew Valley to the city. With plans to potentially discontinue the route after July, locals fear losing their only direct public transport link.
A petition signed by 1,064 residents has been submitted to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), appealing to officials to maintain the service. The petition highlights the devastating impact the removal would have, warning it would force many back into cars, reversing progress on reducing traffic congestion and environmental harm. It would also disrupt daily access to work, education, healthcare, and essential services for numerous individuals.
At a recent WECA committee meeting, Chew Valley transport campaigner Jackie Head expressed her concerns directly to West of England mayor Helen Godwin: “My village is one of those that would be cut off. I want to keep coming to these meetings, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult without this service.”
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Several villages south of Chew Valley Lake — including Compton Martin, Ubley, East Harptree, and West Harptree — would lose their direct Bristol connection if the X91 ends. Although a new bus route between Bath and Bristol has been proposed, including some Chew Valley stops, local representatives argue it is too indirect. David Harding, Liberal Democrat councillor for Chew Valley, called the alternative “overly circuitous” and emphasized, “Local people want the X91.”
The X91 bus service was established in 2024 by the Chew Valley Sustainable Transport Group under a WECA-funded initiative, following the complete removal of previous local bus routes in 2023. Since its launch, the X91 has grown into an essential service connecting eight villages with Bristol.
Alongside the petition, 18 residents submitted personal statements outlining their reliance on the route. Among them, two patients rely on the bus for chemotherapy trips to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, while others use it for job centre visits and accessing groceries. Peter Luckett shared, “I sold my car to commute on the X91,” and Sally Calverley warned, “This bus service is a lifeline between rural communities and the city. Please don’t assume we are all rich and privileged out here!”
In response, the Chew Valley Sustainable Transport Group has proposed a compromise: continuing the X91 as a two-hourly service covering all villages, supplemented by an hourly bus connecting Bishop Sutton to Midsomer Norton. Councillor Harding urged officials to adopt this “sensible motion” to preserve vital connectivity.
Campaigner Jackie Head concluded her appeal: “Please listen to our plea and intervene to help retain the X91.” Mayor Godwin acknowledged the community’s commitment, promising, “You are being heard.”